Social construct

A social construct is any category or thing that is made real by convention or collective agreement. Socially constructed realities are contrasted with natural kinds, which exist independently of human behavior or beliefs.

For the sociological theory regarding shared understandings, see Social constructionism.

Simple examples of social constructs are the meaning of words and the value of paper money. Other examples, such as race, were formerly considered controversial but are now accepted by the consensus of scientists to be socially constructed rather than naturally determined. Still other possible examples, such as the concepts that make up scientific theories, remain the subject of ongoing philosophical debate.

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